Nora Fatehi joins Varun Tej and Meenakshi Chaudhary in Hyderabad for Matka shoot; Rs. 15 crores in RFC invested to recreate vintage Vizag set

Nora Fatehi joins Varun Tej and Meenakshi Chaudhary in Hyderabad for Matka shoot; Rs. 15 crores in RFC invested to recreate vintage Vizag set

The much-awaited Telugu film Matka, starring Varun Tej, is currently in the midst of its production. The film is being touted as a high-budget pan-India film. The makers are leaving no stone unturned to create a visually stunning experience. A significant portion of the film’s budget, a whopping Rs. 15 crores, is dedicated solely to constructing elaborate sets at Ramoji Film City (RFC) in Hyderabad.

According to our sources, “These sets meticulously recreate the vintage charm and essence of Vizag, transporting the audience back in time. This commitment to detail, as seen in the making video, promises to be a major highlight of the film. Director Karuna Kumar has penned a captivating script inspired by real-life events that once shook the nation.”

The shooting schedule of Matka is currently underway. The film has already completed two schedules and is in the midst of a 35-day-long intensive shoot at RFC. The initial 14 days were filmed in Hyderabad, with the following four days taking place in the scenic city of Vizag. The total filming schedule is estimated to be around 20-25 days.

 

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Sharing screen space with Varun Tej is Meenakshi Chaudhary, the leading lady. Adding further glamour to the project is Bollywood actress Nora Fatehi, who will play a crucial role. The supporting cast includes Naveen Chandra, Ajay Ghosh, Kannada Kishore, Ravindra Vijay, and P Ravi Shankar, among others.
The film boasts a talented technical crew as well. Karuna Kumar himself dons multiple hats, handling the story, screenplay, dialogues, and direction. Dr Vijender Reddy Teegala and Rajani Thalluri serve as producers under the banners of Vyra Entertainment and SRT Entertainment. Music composer GV Prakash Kumar contributes the music, while A Kishor Kumar handles the cinematography. Karthika Srinivas R takes charge of editing, with EVV Satish as CEO and RK Jana, Prashanth Mandava, and Sagar as executive producers. Kilari Lakshmi designs the costumes.

ALSO READ: Nora Fatehi dazzles in classic metallic silk lehenga by Varun Bahl paired with bodysuit and pink feather collar

EXCLUSIVE: Kill debutante Lakshya recalls Karan Johar’s assurance after Dostana 2 was shelved: “He said ‘Nothing to worry about’”

EXCLUSIVE: Kill debutante Lakshya recalls Karan Johar’s assurance after Dostana 2 was shelved: “He said ‘Nothing to worry about’”

Kill, the highly anticipated action thriller directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhatt, is set to release in theatres on July 5, 2024. Starring Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, and Tanya Maniktala, this film has already generated significant buzz. Produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Guneet Monga Kapoor’s Sikhya Entertainment, Kill promises to deliver intense and violent action sequences that have captivated audiences from the trailer alone. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Lakshya talked about his debut, the long wait for his first film after Dostana 2 was shelved and what kept him going.

Speaking about the shelved project, Lakshya said, “It was a dream. When I came to Bombay, I was 17 in 2015 and I knew I wanted to do films and become a film star. Eventually, things did not pan out. 2018 was the last time I did a TV show. Then, Dostana 2 was offered to me in 2019. I gave rounds of audition. It was a process of 6-months before I cracked the first film. Then I felt, finally films are happening. COVID-19 happened due to I had to leave the film. But thanks to my producers Karan Johar and Apoorva Mehta, who always supported me. Then I thought that something would work out eventually. I had a huge self-belief that something or the other will pan out for me.”

“I had hope. I never left my schedule – work out, do voice rehearsals, scene rehearsals, etc, I continued with it. The production always supported me and never made me feel that things will not pan out. After Dostana 2, when the news came out [of the film being shelved], I went to the office, and I was called by my director Collin D’Cunha. I went to the office and Karan sir was there and he said, ‘Nothing to worry about. Something or the other will pan out. Give us some time.’ Then, I thought that someone of his stature giving assurance and saying such a thing to you, would bring some confidence. My mother had belief too – she chanted a lot. That gave me self-belief and confidence. Then, Kill came to me in 2023, after 3-4 years,” the actor added.

The planned sequel to the hit 2008 romantic comedy Dostana has been a source of much speculation since its abrupt shelving in 2021. While the official reason remains unclear, rumours were rife about a potential falling out between actor Kartik Aaryan and producer Karan Johar. Dostana 2 was set to star Aaryan alongside Janhvi Kapoor and newcomer Lakshya. Filming had even begun, with reports suggesting 30-35 days of shooting completed, before Dharma Productions, Johar’s production company, announced the project’s suspension.

Meanwhile, Kill is being touted as the most violent film written by Nikhil Nagesh Bhatt. The film will release in theatres on July 5, 2024.

ALSO READ: Kill: Lakshya considers Dharma Productions’ as his second family: “I am incredibly fortunate and grateful”

Varun Dhawan starrer Baby John to release on December 25; to clash with Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par

Varun Dhawan starrer Baby John to release on December 25; to clash with Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par

Varun Dhawan’s highly anticipated film Baby John has a release date now. The makers, including Jio Studios, Atlee, and Murad Khetani, recently announced via social media that the movie will hit theaters on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, making it a perfect Christmas Day watch. It is interesting to mention here that Baby John will be clashing with Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par.

Baby John is directed by Kalees and is a presentation by Jio Studios and Atlee. The film is produced by Murad Khetani, Priya Atlee, and Jyoti Deshpande, with music composed by Thaman S. With this talented team behind the scenes, Baby John promises to be a high-octane action spectacle.
Baby John Shooting Update
Speaking of the shooting of the film, Varun was back on the sets in June after welcoming his baby girl with his wife Natasha Dalal. Taking to his social media, Dhawan had offered fans a tour of the sets through a video captioned, “Baby John, Day 83.”

 

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Baby John Details
The film marks the Hindi film debut of Keerthy Suresh and also features Wamiqa Gabbi, who is making her silver screen debut. The electrifying starcast also includes Jackie Shroff and Rajpal Yadav in the action entertainer. Jio Studios Presents, Baby John in association with Atlee and Cine1 Studios. A for Apple Studios and Cine1 Studios Production, the film is produced by Murad Khetani, Priya Atlee and Jyoti Deshpande. Directed by Kalees, Baby John is set to theatrically release on December 25, 2024.

Also Read: Varun Dhawan back on set for high-octane action film Baby John after welcoming his first child, watch 

Shabana Azmi, SS Rajamouli, Ritesh Sidhwani among others welcomed by The Academy Class of 2024

Shabana Azmi, SS Rajamouli, Ritesh Sidhwani among others welcomed by The Academy Class of 2024

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a significant expansion of its membership on June 25, inviting 487 new members from across the globe. This move emphasizes the Academy’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity and recognizing a wider range of cinematic voices.

As per the Oscars website, the Class of 2024 boasts a remarkable level of diversity, with 44% of invitees being women and 41% representing underrepresented ethnic and racial communities. It also reflects a global perspective, with members hailing from 56 countries and territories outside the United States.

Among the most notable inclusions are prominent Indian figures from the film industry. Renowned director S.S. Rajamouli, known for the global phenomenon RRR, finds himself alongside veteran actress Shabana Azmi, whose illustrious career has garnered her international acclaim. Joining them are Rama Rajamouli, Ritesh Sidhwani (producer of RRR), and the celebrated cinematographer Ravi Varman.

This recognition extends beyond established names, with filmmaker Rima Das, known for her poignant films like Village Rockstars, and choreographer Prem Rakshith, whose work on the viral song ‘Naatu Naatu’ from RRR captivated audiences, also receiving invites.

Furthermore, the Class of 2024 is distinguished by its impressive record of Academy Award recognition. A total of 71 invitees have been nominated for Oscars, with 19 already holding the prestigious golden statuette. This influx of accomplished storytellers further bolsters the Academy’s voting body, ensuring a wider range of perspectives are considered during awards season.

The Academy’s CEO, Bill Kramer, and President, Janet Yang, expressed their enthusiasm in a statement, “We are thrilled to welcome this year’s class of new members to the Academy. These remarkably talented artists and professionals from around the world have made a significant impact on our filmmaking community.”
ALSO READ: Arbaaz Khan returns with The Invincibles 2: David Dhawan, Shabana Azmi, and more share insights and stories

Galaxy Unpacked Set for Paris, Focusing on AI and Z Series – Crypto Times

Galaxy Unpacked Set for Paris, Focusing on AI and Z Series – Crypto Times